Mild, rinse-off antimicrobial liquid cleansing compositions which provide improved residual benefit versus gram positive bacteria

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition comprising from about 0.001% to about 5% of an antimicrobial active, from about 1% to about 80% of an anionic surfactant, from about 0.1% to about 12% of a proton donating agent; and from about 3% to about 98.899% of water, wherein the composition is adjusted to a pH of from about 3.0 to about 6.0, wherein the rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition has a Gram Positive Residual Effectiveness Index of greater than about 1.8, and wherein the rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition has a Mildness Index of greater than 0.3. The invention also encompasses methods for cleansing skin and providing residual effectiveness versus Gram positive bacteria using these products.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to mild, rinse-off, personal cleansingcompositions which provide enhanced antimicrobial effectiveness.Specifically, the personal cleansing compositions of the inventionprovide enhanced antimicrobial effectiveness compared to prior artcompositions. Specifically, the rinse-off cleansing compositions of theinvention provide previously unseen levels of residual effectivenessagainst Gram positive bacteria. These rinse-off cleansing compositionsare also mild to the skin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Human health is impacted by many microbial entities. Inoculation byviruses and bacteria cause a wide variety of sicknesses and ailments.Media attention to cases of food poisoning, strep infections, and thelike is increasing public awareness of microbial issues.

It is well known that the washing of hard surfaces, food (e.g. fruit orvegetables) and skin, especially the hands, with antimicrobial ornon-medicated soap, can remove many viruses and bacteria from the washedsurfaces. Removal of the viruses and bacteria is due to the surfactancyof the soap and the mechanical action of the wash procedure. Therefore,it is known and recommended that the people wash frequently to reducethe spread of viruses and bacteria.

Bacteria found on the skin can be divided into two groups: resident andtransient bacteria. Resident bacteria are Gram positive bacteria whichare established as permanent microcolonies on the surface and outermostlayers of the skin and play an important, helpful role in preventing thecolonization of other, more harmful bacteria and fungi.

Transient bacteria are bacteria which are not part of the normalresident flora of the skin, but can be deposited when airbornecontaminated material lands on the skin or when contaminated material isbrought into physical contact with it. Transient bacteria are typicallydivided into two subclasses: Gram positive and Gram negative. Grampositive bacteria include pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus,Streptococcus pyogenes and Clostridium botulinum. Gram negative bacteriainclude pathogens such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella,Haemophilus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus and Shigella dysenteriae.Gram negative bacteria are generally distinguished from Gram positive byan additional protective cell membrane which generally results in theGram negative bacteria being less susceptible to topical antibacterialactives.

Antimicrobial cleansing products have been marketed in a variety offorms for some time. Forms include deodorant soaps, hard surfacecleaners, and surgical disinfectants. These traditional rinse-offantimicrobial products have been formulated to provide bacteria removalduring washing. The antimicrobial soaps have also been shown to providea residual effectiveness against Gram positive bacteria. By residualeffectiveness it is meant that bacteria growth on a surface iscontrolled for some period of time following the washing/rinsingprocess. For example, antibacterial soap, when used regularly in handwashing, has been found to provide a 1.0 log to 1.5 log reduction (i.e90 to 97% reduction) residual effectiveness against Gram positivebacteria after two to five hours. That is skin washed with antibacterialsoap, was tested two to five hours later, to be contaminated with onlyfrom 3 to 10% of the number of Gram positive bacteria compared to skinwashed with a placebo soap, depending on the test protocol and bacteriatested. Antimicrobial liquid cleansers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,847,072, Bissett et al., issued Jul. 11, 1989, U.S. Pat. No.4,939,284, Degenhardt, issued Jul. 3, 1990 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,820,698,Degenhardt, issued Apr. 11, 1989, all of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

Previously marketed formulations of Head & Shoulders® Dandruff Shampoo,marketed until 1994, comprised anionic surfactants, an antibacterialactive, and citric acid as a pH adjuster. Head & Shoulders® controlledPityrosorum ovale fungus, which causes dandruff. PCT application WO92/18100, Keegan et al., published Oct. 29, 1992 (“Keegan”) and PCTapplication WO 95/32705, Fujiwara et al., published Dec. 7, 1995(“Fujiwara”) teach liquid skin cleansers comprising mild surfactants,antibacterial agents and acidic compounds to buffer the pH, whichprovide improved germ hostility. However, the use of the acid compoundsfor only pH adjustment therein, result in compositions which do notdeliver the undissociated acid required to provide improved levels ofresidual effectiveness versus Gram positive bacteria. This situation iscompounded in Keegan and Fujiwara by the preference of mild surfactants,including nonionic surfactants.

Some of these antimicrobial products, especially the hard surfacecleaners and surgical disinfectants, utilize high levels of alcoholand/or harsh surfactants which have been shown to dry out and irritateskin tissues. Ideal personal cleansers should gently cleanse the skin,cause little or no irritation, and not leave the skin overly dry afterfrequent use and preferably should provide a moisturizing benefit to theskin.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,141,821, issued to Compeau Jul. 21, 1964 and Irgasan DP300 (Triclosan®) technical literature from Ciba-Giegy, Inc., “BasicFormulation for Hand Disinfection 89/42/01” set forth antibacterial skincleansers compositions which could provide improved residualeffectiveness versus Gram positive bacteria using certain anionicsurfactants, antimicrobial actives and acids. However, the selection,therein, of highly active surfactants results in personal cleansingcompositions which are drying and harsh to the skin.

Given the health impacts of bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus,Streptococcus pyogenes and Clostridium botulinum, it would be highlydesirable to formulate antimicrobial cleansing compositions whichprovide improved residual effectiveness versus these Gram positivebacteria and which are mild to the skin. Existing consumer products havebeen unable to achieve both of these benefits.

Applicants have found that rinse-off antimicrobial cleansingcompositions which provide such mildness and such improved residualeffectiveness versus Gram positive bacteria can be formulated by usingknown antimicrobial actives in combination with specific organic and/orinorganic acids as proton donating agents, and specific anionicsurfactants, all of which are deposited on the skin. The depositedproton donating agent and anionic surfactant enhance the selectedactive, to provide a new level of hostility to bacteria contacting theskin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a rinse-off antimicrobial cleansingcomposition comprising from about 0.001% to about 5% of an antimicrobialactive; from about 1% to about 80% of an anionic surfactant; from about0.1% to about 12% of a proton donating agent; and from about 3% to about98.899% of water; wherein the composition is adjusted to a pH of fromabout 3.0 to about 6.0; wherein the rinse-off antimicrobial cleansingcomposition has a Gram Positive Residual Effectiveness Index of greaterthan about 1.8;

and wherein the rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition has aMildness Index of greater than 0.3.

The present invention also relates to methods for cleansing and fordecreasing the spread of transient Gram positive bacteria using therinse-off antimicrobial cleansing compositions described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing compositions of the presentinvention are highly efficacious for cleansing surfaces, especially theskin, provide a residual antimicrobial effectiveness versus transientGram positive bacteria and are mild to the skin.

The term “rinse-off” is used herein to mean that the compositions of thepresent invention are used in a context whereby the composition isultimately rinsed or washed from the treated surface, (e.g. skin or hardsurfaces) either after or during the application of the product.

The term “antimicrobial cleansing composition” as used herein means acomposition suitable for application to a surface for the purpose ofremoving dirt, oil and the like which additionally controls the growthand viability of transient Gram positive bacteria. Preferred embodimentsof the present invention are cleansing compositions suitable for use onthe human skin.

The compositions of the present invention can also be useful fortreatment of acne. As used herein “treating acne” means preventing,retarding and/or arresting the process of acne formation in mammalianskin.

The compositions of the invention can also potentially be useful forproviding an essentially immediate (i.e., acute) visual improvement inskin appearance following application of the composition to the skin.More particularly, the compositions of the present invention are usefulfor regulating skin condition, including regulating visible and/ortactile discontinuities in skin, including but not limited to visibleand/or tactile discontinuities in skin texture and/or color, moreespecially discontinuities associated with skin aging. Suchdiscontinuities may be induced or caused by internal and/or externalfactors. Extrinsic factors include ultraviolet radiation (e.g., from sunexposure), environmental pollution, wind, heat, low humidity, harshsurfactants, abrasives, and the like. Intrinsic factors includechronological aging and other biochemical changes from within the skin.

Regulating skin condition includes prophylactically and/ortherapeutically regulating skin condition. As used herein,prophylactically regulating skin condition includes delaying, minimizingand/or preventing visible and/or tactile discontinuities in skin. Asused herein, therapeutically regulating skin condition includesameliorating, e.g., diminishing, minimizing and/or effacing, suchdiscontinuities. Regulating skin condition involves improving skinappearance and/or feel, e.g., providing a smoother, more even appearanceand/or feel. As used herein, regulating skin condition includesregulating signs of aging. “Regulating signs of skin aging” includesprophylactically regulating and/or therapeutically regulating one ormore of such signs (similarly, regulating a given sign of skin aging,e.g., lines, wrinkles or pores, includes prophylactically regulatingand/or therapeutically regulating that sign).

“Signs of skin aging” include, but are not limited to, all outwardvisibly and tactilely perceptible manifestations as well as any othermacro or micro effects due to skin aging. Such signs may be induced orcaused by intrinsic factors or extrinsic factors, e.g., chronologicalaging and/or environmental damage. These signs may result from processeswhich include, but are not limited to, the development of texturaldiscontinuities such as wrinkles, including both fine superficialwrinkles and coarse deep wrinkles, skin lines, crevices, bumps, largepores (e.g., associated with adnexal structures such as sweat glandducts, sebaceous glands, or hair follicles), scaliness, flakiness and/orother forms of skin unevenness or roughness, loss of skin elasticity(loss and/or inactivation of functional skin elastin), sagging(including puffiness in the eye area and jowls), loss of skin firmness,loss of skin tightness, loss of skin recoil from deformation,discoloration (including undereye circles), blotching, sallowness,hyperpigmented skin regions such as age spots and freckles, keratoses,abnormal differentiation, hyperkeratinization, elastosis, collagenbreakdown, and other histological changes in the stratum comeum, dermis,epidermis, the skin vascular system (e.g., telangiectasia or spidervessels), and underlying tissues, especially those proximate to theskin.

All percentages and ratios used herein, unless otherwise indicated, areby weight and all measurements made are at 25° C., unless otherwisedesignated. The invention hereof can comprise, consist of, or consistessentially of, the essential as well as optional ingredients andcomponents described therein.

I. Ingredients

The rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing compositions of the presentinvention comprise an antimicrobial active, an anionic surfactant, and aproton donating agent. These components are selected so that theefficacy and mildness requirements hereinafter defined for thecompositions herein are met. The selection of each component isnecessarily dependent on the selection of each of the other components.For example, if a weak acid is selected as the proton donating agent,then in order to realize an efficacious composition, either a morebiologically active (but possibly less mild) surfactant must beemployed, and/or a high level of acid within the prescribed range mustbe used and/or a particularly efficacious active must be employed and/ora higher level of deposition within the prescribed range must beemployed. Similarly, if a mild, but nonefficacious surfactant isemployed, then a stronger acid and/or a high level of acid and/or a highlevel of deposition aid may be necessary to realize an efficaciouscomposition. If a harsh surfactant is utilized, then a mildness agentmay have to be utilized or a lipophilic skin moisturizer ingredient mayhave to be employed as the deposition aid. Guidelines for the selectionof the individual components are provided herein.

A. Antimicrobial Active

The rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition of the presentinvention comprises from about 0.001% to about 5%, preferably from about0.01% to about 2%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 1.5% andmore preferably from about 0.1% to about 1.0%, by weight of theantimicrobial cleansing composition, of an antimicrobial active. Theexact amount of antibacterial active to be used in the compositions willdepend on the particular active utilized since actives vary in potency.Non-cationic actives are required in order to avoid interaction with theanionic surfactants of the invention.

Given below are examples of non-cationic antimicrobial agents which areuseful in the present invention.

Pyrithiones, especially the zinc complex (ZPT)

Octopirox®

Dimethyldimethylol Hydantoin (Glydant®)

Methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (Kathon CG®)

Sodium Sulfite

Sodium Bisulfite

Imidazolidinyl Urea (Germall 115®)

Diazolidinyl Urea (Germall II®)

Benzyl Alcohol

2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (Bronopol®)

Formalin (formaldehyde)

lodopropenyl Butylcarbamate (Polyphase P100®)

Chloroacetamide

Methanamine

Methyldibromonitrile Glutaronitrile (1,2-Dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane orTektamer®)

Glutaraldehyde

5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane (Bronidox®)

Phenethyl Alcohol

o-Phenylphenol/sodium o-phenylphenol

Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate (Suttocide A®)

Polymethoxy Bicyclic Oxazolidine (Nuosept C®)

Dimethoxane

Thimersal

Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol

Captan

Chlorphenenesin

Dichlorophene

Chlorbutanol

Glyceryl Laurate

Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers

2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxy-diphenyl ether (Triclosan® or TCS)

2,2′-dihydroxy-5,5′-dibromo-diphenyl ether

Phenolic Compounds

Phenol

2-Methyl Phenol

3-Methyl Phenol

4-Methyl Phenol

4-Ethyl Phenol

2,4-Dimethyl Phenol

2,5-Dimethyl Phenol

3,4-Dimethyl Phenol

2,6-Dimethyl Phenol

4-n-Propyl Phenol

4-n-Butyl Phenol

4-n-Amyl Phenol

4-tert-Amyl Phenol

4-n-Hexyl Phenol

4-n-Heptyl Phenol

Mono- and Poly-Alkyl and Aromatic Halophenols

p-Chlorophenol

Methyl p-Chlorophenol

Ethyl p-Chlorophenol

n-Propyl p-Chlorophenol

n-Butyl p-Chlorophenol

n-Amyl p-Chlorophenol

sec-Amyl p-Chlorophenol

n-Hexyl p-Chlorophenol

Cyclohexyl p-Chlorophenol

n-Heptyl p-Chlorophenol

n-Octyl p-Chlorophenol

o-Chlorophenol

Methyl o-Chlorophenol

Ethyl o-Chlorophenol

n-Propyl o-Chlorophenol

n-Butyl o-Chlorophenol

n-Amyl o-Chlorophenol

tert-Amyl o-Chlorophenol

n-Hexyl o-Chlorophenol

n-Heptyl o-Chlorophenol

o-Benzyl p-Chlorophenol

o-Benxyl-m-methyl p-Chlorophenol

o-Benzyl-m, m-dimethyl p-Chlorophenol

o-Phenylethyl p-Chlorophenol

o-Phenylethyl-m-methyl p-Chlorophenol

3-Methyl p-Chlorophenol

3,5-Dimethyl p-Chlorophenol

6-Ethyl-3-methyl p-Chlorophenol

6-n-Propyl-3-methyl p-Chlorophenol

6-iso-Propyl-3-methyl p-Chlorophenol

2-Ethyl-3,5-dimethyl p-Chlorophenol

6-sec-Butyl-3-methyl p-Chlorophenol

2-iso-Propyl-3,5-dimethyl p-Chlorophenol

6-Diethylmethyl-3-methyl p-Chlorophenol

6-iso-Propyl-2-ethyl-3-methyl p-Chlorophenol

2-sec-Amyl-3,5-dimethyl p-Chlorophenol

2-Diethylmethyl-3,5-dimethyl p-Chlorophenol

6-sec-Octyl-3-methyl p-Chlorophenol

p-Chloro-m-cresol

p-Bromophenol

Methyl p-Bromophenol

Ethyl p-Bromophenol

n-Propyl p-Bromophenol

n-Butyl p-Bromophenol

n-Amyl p-Bromophenol

sec-Amyl p-Bromophenol

n-Hexyl p-Bromophenol

Cyclohexyl p-Bromophenol

o-Bromophenol

tert-Amyl o-Bromophenol

n-Hexyl o-Bromophenol

n-Propyl-m,m-Dimethyl o-Bromophenol

2-Phenyl Phenol

4-Chloro-2-methyl phenol

4-Chloro-3-methyl phenol

4-Chloro-3,5-dimethyl phenol

2,4-Dichloro-3,5-dimethylphenol

3,4,5,6-Terabromo-2-methylphenol

5-Methyl-2-pentylphenol

4-Isopropyl-3-methylphenol

Para-chloro-meta-xylenol (PCMX)

Chlorothymol

Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyisopropanol

5-Chloro-2-hydroxydiphenylmethane

Resorcinol and its Derivatives

Resorcinol

Methyl Resorcinol

Ethyl Resorcinol

n-Propyl Resorcinol

n-Butyl Resorcinol

n-Amyl Resorcinol

n-Hexyl Resorcinol

n-Heptyl Resorcinol

n-Octyl Resorcinol

n-Nonyl Resorcinol

Phenyl Resorcinol

Benzyl Resorcinol

Phenylethyl Resorcinol

Phenylpropyl Resorcinol

p-Chlorobenzyl Resorcinol

5-Chloro 2,4-Dihydroxydiphenyl Methane

4′-Chloro 2,4-Dihydroxydiphenyl Methane

5-Bromo 2,4-Dihydroxydiphenyl Methane

4′-Bromo 2,4-Dihydroxydiphenyl Methane

Bisphenolic Compounds

2,2′-Methylene bis (4-chlorophenol)

2,2′-Methylene bis (3,4,6-trichlorophenol)

2,2′-Methylene bis (4-chloro-6-bromophenol)

bis (2-hydroxy-3,5-dichlorophenyl) sulphide

bis (2-hydroxy-5-chlorobenzyl)sulphide

Benzoic Esters (Parabens)

Methylparaben

Propylparaben

Butylparaben

Ethylparaben

Isopropylparaben

Isobutylparaben

Benzylparaben

Sodium Methylparaben

Sodium Propylparaben

Halogenated Carbanilides

3,4,4′-Trichlorocarbanilides (Triclocarbanoor TCC)

3-Trifluoromethyl-4,4′-dichlorocarbanilide

3,3′,4-Trichlorocarbanilide

Another class of antibacterial agents, which are useful in the presentinvention, are the so-called “natural” antibacterial actives, referredto as natural essential oils. These actives derive their names fromtheir natural occurrence in plants. Typical natural essential oilantibacterial actives include oils of anise, lemon, orange, rosemary,wintergreen, thyme, lavender, cloves, hops, tea tree, citronella, wheat,barley, lemongrass, cedar leaf, cedarwood, cinnamon, fleagrass,geranium, sandalwood, violet, cranberry, eucalyptus, vervain,peppermint, gum benzoin, basil, fennel, fir, balsam, menthol, ocmeaoriganum, Hydastis carradensis, Berberidaceae daceae, Ratanhiae andCurcuma longa. Also included in this class of natural essential oils arethe key chemical components of the plant oils which have been found toprovide the antimicrobial benefit. These chemicals include, but are notlimited to anethol, catechole, camphene, thymol, eugenol, eucalyptol,ferulic acid, famesol, hinokitiol, tropolone, limonene, menthol, methylsalicylate, carvacol, terpineol, verbenone, berberine, ratanhiaeextract, caryophellene oxide, citronellic acid, curcumin, nerolidol andgeraniol.

Additional active agents are antibacterial metal salts. This classgenerally includes salts of metals in groups 3b-7b, 8 and 3a-5a.Specifically are the salts of aluminum, zirconium, zinc, silver, gold,copper, lanthanum, tin, mercury, bismuth, selenium, strontium, scandium,yttrium, cerium, praseodymiun, neodymium, promethum, samarium, europium,gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium,lutetium and mixtures thereof.

Preferred antimicrobial agents for use herein are the broad spectrumactives selected from the group consisting of Triclosan®, Triclocarban®,Octopirox®, PCMX, ZPT, natural essential oils and their key ingredients,and mixtures thereof. The most preferred antimicrobial active for use inthe present invention is Triclosan®.

B. Anionic Surfactant

Liquid embodiments of the rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing compositionsof the present invention comprise from about 1% to about 80%, preferablyfrom about 3% to about 50%, and more preferably from about 5% to about25%, based on the weight of the personal cleansing composition, of ananionic surfactant. Solid bar embodiments of the present inventionpreferably comprise from about 10% to about 70%, and more preferablyfrom about 20% to about 60% of the anionic surfactant. Without beinglimited by theory, it is believed that the anionic surfactant disruptsthe lipid in the cell membrane of the bacteria. The particular acid usedherein reduces the negative charges on the cell wall of the bacteria,crosses through the cell membrane, weakened by the surfactant, andacidifies the cytoplasm * 2! of the bacteria. The antimicrobial activecan then pass more easily through the weakened cell wall, and moreefficiently poison the bacteria.

Nonlimiting examples of anionic lathering surfactants useful in thecompositions of the present invention are disclosed in McCutcheon's,Detergents and Emulsifiers, North American edition (1990), published byThe Manufacturing Confectioner Publishing Co.; McCutcheon's, FunctionalMaterials, North American Edition (1992); and U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678,to Laughlin et al., issued Dec. 30, 1975, all of which are incorporatedby reference.

A wide variety of anionic surfactants are potentially useful herein.Nonlimiting examples of anionic lathering surfactants include thoseselected from the group consisting of alkyl and alkyl ether sulfates,sulfated monoglycerides, sulfonated olefins, alkyl aryl sulfonates,primary or secondary alkane sulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, acyltaurates, acyl isethionates, alkyl glycerylether sulfonate, sulfonatedmethyl esters, sulfonated fatty acids, alkyl phosphates, acylglutamates, acyl sarcosinates, alkyl sulfoacetates, acylated peptides,alkyl ether carboxylates, acyl lactylates, anionic fluorosurfactants,and mixtures thereof. Mixtures of anionic surfactants can be usedeffectively in the present invention.

Anionic surfactants for use in the cleansing compositions include alkyland alkyl ether sulfates. These materials have the respective formulaeR¹O—SO₃M and R¹(CH₂H₄O)_(x)—O—SO₃M, wherein R¹ is a saturated orunsaturated, branched or unbranched alkyl group from about 8 to about 24carbon atoms, x is 1 to 10, and M is a water-soluble cation such asammonium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, triethanolamine, diethanolamineand monoethanolamine. The alkyl sulfates are typically made by thesulfation of monohydric alcohols (having from about 8 to about 24 carbonatoms) using sulfur trioxide or other known sulfation technique. Thealkyl ether sulfates are typically made as condensation products ofethylene oxide and monohydric alcohols (having from about 8 to about 24carbon atoms) and then sulfated. These alcohols can be derived fromfats, e.g., coconut oil or tallow, or can be synthetic. Specificexamples of alkyl sulfates which may be used in the cleansercompositions are sodium, ammonium, potassium, magnesium, or TEA salts oflauryl or myristyl sulfate. Examples of alkyl ether sulfates which maybe used include ammonium, sodium, magnesium, or TEA laureth-3 sulfate.

Another suitable class of anionic surfactants are the sulfatedmonoglycerides of the form R¹CO—O—CH₂—C(OH)H—CH₂—O—SO₃M, wherein R¹ is asaturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched alkyl group from about8 to about 24 carbon atoms, and M is a water-soluble cation such asammonium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, triethanolamine, diethanolamineand monoethanolamine. These are typically made by the reaction ofglycerin with fatty acids (having from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms)to form a monoglyceride and the subsequent sulfation of thismonoglyceride with sulfur trioxide. An example of a sulfatedmonoglyceride is sodium cocomonoglyceride sulfate.

Other suitable anionic surfactants include olefin sulfonates of the formR¹SO₃M, wherein R¹ is a mono-olefin having from about 12 to about 24carbon atoms, and M is a water-soluble cation such as ammonium, sodium,potassium, magnesium, triethanolamine, diethanolamine andmonoethanolamine. These compounds can be produced by the sulfonation ofalpha olefins by means of uncomplexed sulfur trioxide, followed byneutralization of the acid reaction mixture in conditions such that anysultones which have been formed in the reaction are hydrolyzed to givethe corresponding hydroxyalkanesulfonate. An example of a sulfonatedolefin is sodium C₁₄/C₁₆ alpha olefin sulfonate.

Other suitable anionic surfactants are the linear alkylbenzenesulfonates of the form R¹—C₆H₄—SO₃M, wherein R¹ is a saturated orunsaturated, branched or unbranched alkyl group from about 8 to about 24carbon atoms, and M is a water-soluble cation such as ammonium, sodium,potassium, magnesium, triethanolamine, diethanolamine andmonoethanolamine. These are formed by the sulfonation of linear alkylbenzene with sulfur trioxide. An example of this anionic surfactant issodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate.

Still other anionic surfactants suitable for this cleansing compositioninclude the primary or secondary alkane sulfonates of the form R¹SO₃M,wherein R¹ is a saturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched alkylchain from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms, and M is a water-solublecation such as ammonium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, triethanolamine,diethanolamine and monoethanolamine. These are commonly formed by thesulfonation of paraffins using sulfur dioxide in the presence ofchlorine and ultraviolet light or another known sulfonation method. Thesulfonation can occur in either the secondary or primary positions ofthe alkyl chain. An example of an alkane sulfonate useful herein isalkali metal or ammonium C₁₃-C₁₇ paraffin sulfonates.

Still other suitable anionic surfactants are the alkyl sulfosuccinates,which include disodium N-octadecylsulfosuccinamate; diammonium laurylsulfosuccinate; tetrasodiumN-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)-N-octadecylsulfosuccinate; diamyl ester of sodiumsulfosuccinic acid; dihexyl ester of sodium sulfosuccinic acid; anddioctyl esters of sodium sulfosuccinic acid.

Also useful are taurates which are based on taurine, which is also knownas 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid. Examples of taurates includeN-alkyltaurines such as the one prepared by reacting dodecylamine withsodium isethionate according to the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 2,658,072which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Otherexamples based of taurine include the acyl taurines formed by thereaction of n-methyl taurine with fatty acids (having from about 8 toabout 24 carbon atoms).

Another class of anionic surfactants suitable for use in the cleansingcomposition are the acyl isethionates. The acyl isethionates typicallyhave the formula R¹CO—O—CH₂CH₂SO₃M wherein R¹ is a saturated orunsaturated, branched or unbranched alkyl group having from about 10 toabout 30 carbon atoms, and M is a cation. These are typically formed bythe reaction of fatty acids (having from about 8 to about 30 carbonatoms) with an alkali metal isethionate. Nonlimiting examples of theseacyl isethionates include ammonium cocoyl isethionate, sodium cocoylisethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, and mixtures thereof.

Still other suitable anionic surfactants are the alkylglyceryl ethersulfonates of the form R¹—OCH₂—C(OH)H—CH₂—SO₃M, wherein R¹ is asaturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched alkyl group from about8 to about 24 carbon atoms, and M is a water-soluble cation such asammonium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, triethanolamine, diethanolamineand monoethanolamine. These can be formed by the reaction ofepichlorohydrin and sodium bisulfite with fatty alcohols (having fromabout 8 to about 24 carbon atoms) or other known methods. One example issodium cocoglyceryl ether sulfonate.

Other suitable anionic surfactants include the sulfonated fatty acids ofthe form R¹—CH(SO₄)—COOH and sulfonated methyl esters of the fromR¹—CH(SO₄)—CO—O—CH₃, where R¹ is a saturated or unsaturated, branched orunbranched alkyl group from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms. These canbe formed by the sulfonation of fatty acids or alkyl methyl esters(having from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms) with sulfur trioxide orby another known sulfonation technique. Examples include alphasulphonated coconut fatty acid and lauryl methyl ester.

Other anionic materials include phosphates such as monoalkyl, dialkyl,and trialkylphosphate salts formed by the reaction of phosphorouspentoxide with monohydric branched or unbranched alcohols having fromabout 8 to about 24 carbon atoms. These could also be formed by otherknown phosphation methods. An example from this class of surfactants issodium mono or dilaurylphosphate.

Other anionic materials include acyl glutamates corresponding to theformula R¹CO—N(COOH)—CH₂CH₂—CO₂M wherein R¹ is a saturated orunsaturated, branched or unbranched alkyl or alkenyl group of about 8 toabout 24 carbon atoms, and M is a water-soluble cation. Nonlimitingexamples of which include sodium lauroyl glutamate and sodium cocoylglutamate.

Other anionic materials include alkanoyl sarcosinates corresponding tothe formula R¹CON(CH₃)—CH₂CH₂—CO₂M wherein R¹ is a saturated orunsaturated, branched or unbranched alkyl or alkenyl group of about 10to about 20 carbon atoms, and M is a water-soluble cation. Nonlimitingexamples of which include sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoylsarcosinate, and ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate.

Other anionic materials include alkyl ether carboxylates correspondingto the formula R¹—(OCH₂CH₂)_(x)—OCH₂—CO₂M wherein R¹ is a saturated orunsaturated, branched or unbranched alkyl or alkenyl group of about 8 toabout 24 carbon atoms, x is 1 to 10, and M is a water-soluble cation.Nonlimiting examples of which include sodium laureth carboxylate.

Other anionic materials include acyl lactylates corresponding to theformula R¹CO—[O—CH(CH₃)—CO]_(x)—CO₂M wherein R¹ is a saturated orunsaturated, branched or unbranched alkyl or alkenyl group of about 8 toabout 24 carbon atoms, x is 3, and M is a water-soluble cation.Nonlimiting examples of which include sodium cocoyl lactylate.

Other anionic materials include the carboxylates, nonlimiting examplesof which include sodium lauroyl carboxylate, sodium cocoyl carboxylate,and ammonium lauroyl carboxylate. Anionic flourosurfactants can also beused.

Any counter cation, M, can be used on the anionic surfactant. Preferablythe counter cation is selected from the group consisting of sodium,potassium, ammonium, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, andtriethanolamine. More preferably the counter cation is ammonium.

Three factors must be taken into account when selecting the surfactantor surfactants to be employed in the antibacterial cleansingcompositions herein: 1) the activity of the surfactant molecule at thecell membrane of the bacteria; 2) the solubility characteristics of theselected active in the surfactant; and 3) the mildness of the surfactantinsofar as it affects the Mildness Index (hereinafter described) for theantimicrobial composition.

Biological Activity/Mildness of Surfactant

In general, the higher the biological activity of the surfactant, themore residual effectiveness is provided by the composition comprisingthe surfactant. Typically, however, the biological activity of asurfactant and the mildness of a surfactant are inversely proportional;the higher the biological activity of the surfactant, the harsher thesurfactant and the lower the biological activity of the surfactant, themilder the surfactant. Whether a biologically active, but harshsurfactant or a mild, but biologically inactive surfactant is desiredwill, of course, depend on (or influence) the selection of the othercomponents.

The biological activity/mildness of a pure surfactant can measureddirectly via a Microtox Response Test hereinafter described in theAnalytical Methods section and can be reported as a Microtox ResponseIndex. By “pure surfactant” it is meant a chemical compositionconsisting essentially of a single surfactant entity, wherein the entityhas essentially one chain length, head group and salt counter ion. Froma standpoint of high biological activity, preferred anionic surfactantsof the antimicrobial cleansing compositions of the present inventionhave a Microtox Response Index of less that about 150, more preferablyless than about 100 and most preferably less than about 50. From astandpoint of mildness, preferred anionic surfactants of theantimicrobial cleansing compositions of the present invention have aMicrotox Response Index of greater than about 25, more preferablygreater than about 50 and most preferably greater than about 100.Surfactants with a Microtox Response Index ranging from about 25 toabout 150 are typically moderately biologically active and moderatelymild.

For surfactant compositions which are mixtures of surfactants ratherthan pure surfactants (this includes “commercial grade” surfactantswhich typically comprise mixtures of entities with different chainlengths and potentially have higher levels of impurities), the MicrotoxResponse Index for any individual surfactant component is not a reliablemeasurement of biological activity or mildness. In the case of mixtures,the Microtox Index of each individual component can be determined andthe weighted average used as the Index for the mixture if all theindividual components of the mixture are known. If the individualcomponents of a mixture are not known, then the primary head group andchain lengths of the surfactant mixture are better indicators ofbiological activity/mildness.

Anionic surfactants or mixtures of surfactants with a chain lengthprimarily in the range of from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms,preferably primarily from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms and mostpreferably primarily from about 12 to about 16 carbon atoms arepreferred from the standpoint of high biological activity. As usedherein “primarily” means at least about 50%. From a standpoint ofmildness, it is preferable to minimize C12.

From the standpoint of biological activity, it is preferred that thehead group of the anionic surfactant be less than about 15 Angstroms,preferably less than about 10 Angstoms, and more preferably less thanabout 7 Angstoms. The “head group” is defined as the hydrophilic portion(non-hydrocarbon) of the anionic surfactant, measured from the firstpolar atom to the end of the molecule. The head group size is estimatedfrom the Van der Waals radius of the atoms and the configuration of thesurfactant molecule. Head groups with sizes less than about 7 Angstromsinclude sulfates, sulfonates, and phosphates. From the standpoint ofmildness, it is preferred that the head group size is greater than about7 Angstoms, and preferably greater than about 10 Angstoms. Head groupswith sizes greater than about 10 Angstroms include ethoxylated sulfates,glyceryl ether sulfonates, and isethionates. It is believed that as thehead group size increases, more stearic hindrance at the cell wallprevents disruption by the surfactant and, thus, biological activity isdecreased and mildness is increased.

The mildness of a surfactant or mixture of surfactants can also bedetermined by a number of other known, conventional methods formeasuring surfactant mildness. For example, the Barrier Destruction Testset forth in T. J. Franz, J. Invest. Dermatol., 1975, 64, pp. 190-195and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,525 to Small et al; issued Jun. 16, 1987,both of which are herein incorporated by reference, is a way ofmeasuring mildness of surfactants. In general, the milder thesurfactant, the less skin barrier that is destroyed in the barrierdestruction test. Skin barrier destruction is measured by relativeamount of radiolabeled water which passes from the test solution throughthe skin epidermis into the physiological buffer contained in thediffusate chamber. Surfactants having a Relative Skin BarrierPenetration Value of as close to zero as possible up to about 75 areconsidered mild for purposes herein. Surfactants having a Relative SkinBarrier Penetration Value of greater than about 75 are considered harshfor purposes herein.

Solubility slope of Antimicrobial Active in Anionic Surfactant

Preferred anionic surfactants are also selected, in part, based on theability of the surfactant to deposit the antimicrobial active onto theskin. Surfactants for use herein must have sufficient solubility tocarry the active and yet the solubility cannot be so high that theactive is held in solution during use, resulting in no active beingdeposited to the skin. It has been found that this balance is bestmeasured by the slope of the curve of the solubility of theantimicrobial active versus the concentration of the surfactant inwater. This slope, hereafter referred to as the solubility slope, K, isdetermined by the test method hereinafter described in the AnalyticalMethods Section.

Preferred anionic surfactants of the present invention comprise asolubility slope, K, of less than 0.60, preferably less than 0.40, morepreferably less than about 0.25 and most preferably less than about0.10.

The rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing compositions of the presentinvention preferably deposit from about 0.01 μg/cm² to about 100 μg/cm²,more preferably from about 0.1 μg/cm² to about 50 μg/cm² and mostpreferably from about 1 μg/cm² to about 20 μg/cm² of antimicrobialactive onto the skin.

In order for the personal cleansing compositions herein to be effective,both the biological activity of the surfactant and the solubility of theparticular active employed in the surfactant must be taken into account.

For example, ammonium lauryl sulfate, ALS, is very biologically active(Microtox Index=1.0) but has a relatively high solubility slope (K=0.3).Compositions comprising ALS are capable of providing very effectiveresidual antibacterial effectiveness due to its activity, even withlower levels of antibacterial active and proton donating agent. However,in order to deposit the active on the skin (which is required to meetthe efficacy requirements described herein), higher levels of activewill be required as a result of the high solubility slope. Moreover,compositions containing ALS may require the addition of cosurfactants orpolymers, described herein in the Optional Ingredient Section, toachieve most preferred mildness levels for the present invention.

A selection of ammonium laureth-3 sulfate (Microtox=120 and K=0.5) as asurfactant will result in compositions which are very mild, but whichwould require higher levels of proton donating agent and antimicrobialactive in order to achieve the residual effectiveness of the presentinvention.

Paraffin sulfonate, a commercial grade surfactant sold under the nameHastapur SAS ® from Hoechst Celanese, with a small head group andaverage chain length of 15.5 (K=0.1) is a relatively active surfactantand provides very high deposition of the active. Compositions comprisinglower levels of active and acid can be used with higher levels ofparaffin sulfonate, where the surfactant provides a larger component ofresidual effectiveness. Alternately, compositions comprising lowerlevels of paraffin sulfonate can be combined with higher levels ofactive to achieve a mild and effective composition. Moderate levels ofactive can be used with paraffin sulfonate, since its solubility indexindicates that such compositions will have very high deposition of theactive.

Nonlimiting examples of preferred anionic surfactants useful hereininclude those selected from the group consisting of sodium and ammoniumalkyl sulfates and ether sulfates having chain lengths of predominantly12 and 14 carbon atoms, olefin sulfates having chain lengths ofpredominantly 14 and 16 carbon atoms, and paraffin sulfonates havingchain lengths of from 13 to 17 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof.Especially preferred for use herein is ammonium and sodium laurylsulfate; ammonium and sodium myristyl sulfate; ammonium and sodiumlaureth-1, laureth-2, laureth-3, and laureth-4 sulfate; ammonium andsodium, C14-C16 olefin sulfonates; C13-C17 paraffin sulfonates, andmixtures thereof.

Non-anionic surfactants of the group consisting of nonionic surfactants,cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and mixtures thereof, havebeen found to actually reduce residual effectiveness benefits when usedwith anionic surfactants at high levels. This is most evident in thecase of cationic and amphoteric surfactants where it is believed thatthese surfactants interfere (charge-charge interaction) with the anionicsurfactant's ability to disrupt of the lipid in the cell membrane. Theratio of the amount of these other surfactants to the amount of anionicsurfactant should be less than about 1:1, preferably less than about1:2, and more preferably less than about 1:4.

The rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing compositions of the presentinvention preferably do not comprise hydrotropic sulfonates,particularly salts of terpenoids, or mono- or binuclear aromaticcompounds such as sulfonates of camphor, toluene, xylene, cumene andnaphthene.

C. Proton Donating Agent

The rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing compositions of the presentinvention comprise from about 0.1% to about 12%, preferably from about0.5% to about 10%, more preferably from about 1% to about 7.5%, and mostpreferably from about 2.5% to about 5%, based on the weight of thepersonal cleansing composition, of a proton donating agent. By “protondonating agent” it is meant any acid compound or mixture thereof, whichresults in the presence of undissociated acid on the skin after use.Proton donating agents can be organic acids, including polymeric acids,mineral acids or mixtures thereof.

Organic Acids

Proton donating agents which are organic acids remain at least partiallyundissociated in the neat composition and remain so when thecompositions are diluted during washing and rinsing. The organic acidproton donating agent must have at least one pKa value below 5.5. Theseorganic proton donating agents can be added directly to the compositionin the acid form or can be formed by adding the conjugate base of thedesired acid and a sufficient amount of a separate acid strong enough toform the undissociated acid from the base.

Biological Activity Index of Organic Acids

Preferred organic proton donating agents are selected based on theirbiological activity. This activity is represented by a BiologicalActivity Index, Z, which is defined as:

Z=1+0.25pKa ₁+0.42 log P.

The biological activity index combines the dissociation characteristicsand the hydrophobicity of the acid. It is critical that theundissociated proton donating agent of the composition be deposited onthe skin to reduce the negative charge on the cell wall. The acid'sdissociation constant, pKa₁, is indicative of the chemical's protondonating capacity relative to the pH of the medium in which it isincorporated. Since more undissociated acid is preferable in thecomposition, acids with higher pKa's are generally more preferred for agiven product pH. The octanol-water partition coefficient, P, representsthe tendency of materials in solution to prefer either oils or water. Itessentially is a measure of hydrophobic nature of a material insolution: the higher the partition coefficient, the more oil soluble,and less water soluble, the material. Since it is desired that thedissolved acids in the compositions come out of the aqueous cleanserupon application, deposit on the oil-based skin and remain duringrinsing, organic acids with higher octanol-water partition coefficientsare more preferred.

Preferred organic proton donating agents of the rinse-off antimicrobialcleansing compositions of the present invention have a biologicalactivity index greater than about 0.5, preferably greater than about1.0, more preferably greater than about 1.5 and most preferably greaterthan 2.0.

Mineral Acids

Proton donating agents which are mineral acids will not remainundissociated in the neat composition or when the compositions arediluted during washing and rinsing. Despite this, it has been found thatmineral acids can be effective proton donating agents for use herein.Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the strong mineralacids, protonate the carboxylic and phosphatidyl groups in proteins ofthe skin cells, thereby providing in-situ undissociated acid. Theseproton donating agents can only be added directly to the composition inthe acid form.

pH

It is critical to achieving the benefits of the invention that theundissociated acid from the proton donating agent (deposited or formedin-situ) remain on the skin in the protonated form. Therefore, the pH ofthe rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing compositions of the presentinvention must be adjusted to a sufficiently low level in order toeither form or deposit substantial undissociated acid on the skin. ThepH of the compositions should be adjusted and preferably buffered tohave a range of from about 3.0 to about 6.0, preferably from about 3.0to about 5.0 and more preferably from about 3.5 to about 4.5.

A non-exclusive list of examples of organic acids which can be used asthe proton donating agent are adipic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid,maleic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, glycolic acid, glutaric acid,benzoic acid, malonic acid, salicylic acid, gluconic acid, polymericacids, their salts, and mixtures thereof. A non-exclusive list ofexamples of mineral acid for use herein are hydrochloric, phosphoric,sulfuric and mixtures thereof.

Polymeric acids are especially preferred acids for use herein from thestandpoint that they cause less stinging to the skin than other acids,they can have less of a negative impact on lather than other acids andthey can contribute to a draggy rinse feel which is preferred by someconsumers. As used herein, the term “polymeric acid” refers to an acidwith repeating units of carboxylic acid groups joined together into onechain. Suitable polymeric acids can include homopolymers, copolymers andterpolymers, but must contain at least 30 mole% carboxylic acid groups.Specific examples of suitable polymeric acids useful herein includestraight-chain poly(acrylic) acid and its copolymers, both ionic andnonionic, (e.g., maleic-acrylic, sulfonic-acrylic, and styrene-acryliccopolymers), those cross-linked polyacrylic acids having a molecularweight of less than about 250,000, preferably less than about 100,000poly ((x-hydroxy) acids, poly (methacrylic) acid, and naturallyoccurring polymeric acids such as carageenic acid, carboxy methylcellulose, and alginic acid. Straight-chain poly(acrylic) acids areespecially preferred for use herein.

D. Water

Liquid rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing compositions of the presentinvention comprise from about 35% to about 98.899%, preferably fromabout 45% to about 98%, more preferably from about 55% to about 97.5%,and most preferably from about 65% to about 95.99% water. Solid barembodiments of the present invention preferably comprise from about 2%to about 25%, more preferably from about 3% to about 20% and mostpreferably from about 5% to about 15% water.

Liquid rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing compositions of the presentinvention, preferably have an apparent or neat viscosity of from about500 cps to about 60,000 cps at 26.7° C., preferably 5,000 to 30,000 cps.The term “viscosity” as used herein means the viscosity as measured by aBrookfield RVTDCP with a spindle CP-41 at 1 RPM for 3 minutes, unlessotherwise specified. The “neat” viscosity is the viscosity of theundiluted liquid cleanser.

E. Preferred Optional Ingredients

Mildness Enhancers

In order to achieve the mildness required of the present invention,optional ingredients to enhance the mildness to the skin can be added.These ingredients include cationic and nonionic polymers,co-surfactants, moisturizers and mixtures thereof. Polymers usefulherein include polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, hydrolyzedsilk proteins, hydrolyzed milk proteins, hydrolyzed keratin proteins,guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, polyquats, silicone polymers andmixtures thereof. When used, the mildness enhancing polymers comprisefrom about 0.1% to about 1%, preferably from about 0.2% to about 1.0%,and more preferably from about 0.2% to about 0.6%, by weight of therinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition, of the composition.Co-surfactants useful herein include nonionic surfactants such as theGenapol® 24 series of ethoxylated alcohols, POE(20) sorbitan monooleate(Tween® 80), polyethylene glycol cocoate and Pluronic® propyleneoxide/ethylene oxide block polymers, and amphoteric surfactants such asalkyl betaines, alkyl sultaines, alkyl amphoacetates, alkylamphodiacetates, alkyl amphopropionates, and alkyl amphodipropionates.When used, the mildness enhancing cosurfactants comprise from about 20%to about 70%, preferably from about 20% to about 50%, by weight of theanionic surfactant, of the cleansing composition.

Deposition Aids

A deposition aid is also preferably employed in the rinse-offantimicrobial cleansing compositions herein. It has been found thatcompositions which contain a deposition aid of the type hereinafterdescribed have improved antibacterial efficacy compared to compositionswhich do not contain one. Additionally, the especially preferred lipidskin moisturizing agent provides a moisturizing benefit to the user ofthe personal cleansing product when the lipophilic skin moisturizingagent is deposited to the user's skin.

When used in the liquid, rinse-off antimicrobial personal cleansingcompositions herein, the deposition aid comprises from about 0.1% toabout 30%, preferably from about 1% to about 30% more preferably fromabout 3% to about 25%, most preferably from about 5% to about 25% of thecleansing composition. The deposition aid employed herein is one thatincreases the deposition of the antimicrobial active or the protondonating agent on the skin by at least about 20%, preferably by at leastabout 30%, more preferably at least about 50%.

Suitable deposition aids for use herein include, for example, lipophilicskin moisturizing agents, cationic polymers, nonionic polymers,zeolites, clays and mixtures thereof. One of the reasons why cationicpolymers are believed to be effective deposition aids is that they canform coascervates with the anionic surfactant.

Suitable cationic and nonionic polymers for use as a deposition aidherein include polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, hydrolyzedsilk proteins, hydrolyzed milk proteins, hydrolized keratin proteins,guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, polyquats, silicone polymers andmixtures thereof. When cationic or nonionic polymers are employed as thedeposition aid, they are utilized at levels ranging from about 0.1% toabout 1%, preferably from about 0.15% to about 0.8%, more preferablyfrom about 0.2% to about 0.6% by weight of the composition.

Lipophilic skin moisturizing agents are especially preferred as adeposition aid in the present invention. In addition to providingimproved antibacterial efficacy compared to compositions which do notcontain a lipid deposition agent, the lipid skin moisturizing agentprovides a moisturizing benefit to the user of the personal cleansingproduct when the lipophilic skin moisturizing agent is deposited to theuser's skin. When lipophilic skin moisturizing agents are used as thedeposition aid herein, they are employed at a level of about 1% to about30%, preferably from about 3% to about 25%, most preferably from about5% to about 25% by weight of the composition.

Two types of theological parameters are used to define the lipophilicskin moisturizing agent used herein. The viscosity of the lipophilicskin moisturizing agent is represented by consistency (k) and shearindex (n). The lipophilic skin moisturizing agents for use hereintypically have a consistency (k) ranging from about 5 to about 5,000poise, preferably from about 10 to about 3,000 poise, more preferablyfrom about 50 to about 2,000 poise, as measured by the Consistency (k)Method hereinafter set forth in the Analytical Methods section. Suitablelipophilic skin moisturizing agents for use herein further have a shearindex (n) ranging from about 0.01 to about 0.9, preferably from about0.1 to about 0.5, more preferably from about 0.2 to about 0.5, asmeasured by the Shear Index Method hereinafter set forth in theAnalytical methods section.

While not being bound by any theory, it is believed that lipophilic skinmoisturizing agents having rheology properties other than those definedherein are either too easily emulsified and hence will not deposit, orare too “stiff” to adhere or deposit on to skin and provide amoisturization benefit. In addition, the rheological properties of thelipophilic skin moisturizing agent are also important to userperception. Some lipophilic skin moisturizing agents, on deposition tothe skin, are considered too sticky and are not preferred by the user.

In some cases, the lipophilic skin moisturizing agent can also desirablybe defined in terms of its solubility parameter, as defined by Vaughanin Cosmetics and Toiletries, Vol. 103, p. 47-69, October 1988. Alipophilic skin moisturizing agent having a Vaughan solubility Parameter(VSP) from 5 to 10, preferably from 5.5 to 9 is suitable for use in theliquid personal cleansing compositions herein.

A wide variety of lipid type materials and mixtures of materials aresuitable for use as the carrier in the antimicrobial personal cleansingcompositions of the present invention. Preferably, the lipophilic skinconditioning agent is selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbonoils and waxes, silicones, fatty acid derivatives, cholesterol,cholesterol derivatives, di- and tri-glycerides, vegetable oils,vegetable oil derivatives, liquid nondigestible oils such as thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,600,186 to Mattson; Issued Aug. 17, 1971and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,005,195 and 4,005,196 to Jandacek et al; bothissued Jan. 25, 1977, all of which are herein incorporated by reference,or blends of liquid digestible or nondigestible oils with solid polyolpolyesters such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,797,300 toJandacek; issued Jan. 10, 1989; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,306,514, 5,306,516 and5,306,515 to Letton; all issued Apr. 26, 1994, all of which are hereinincorporated by reference, and acetoglyceride esters, alkyl esters,alkenyl esters, lanolin and its derivatives, milk tri-glycerides, waxesters, beeswax derivatives, sterols, phospholipids and mixturesthereof. Fatty acids, fatty acid soaps and water soluble polyols arespecifically excluded from our definition of a lipophilic skinmoisturizing agent.

Hydrocarbon oils and waxes:

Some examples are petrolatum, mineral oil microcrystalline waxes,polyalkenes (e.g. hydrogenated and nonhydrogenated polybutene andpolydecene), paraffins, cerasin, ozokerite, polyethylene andperhydrosqualene. Blends of petrolatum and hydrogenated andnonhydrogenated high molecular weight polybutenes wherein the ratio ofpetrolatum to polybutene ranges from about 90:10 to about 40:60 are alsosuitable for use as the lipid skin moisturizing agent in thecompositions herein.

Silicone Oils:

Some examples are dimethicone copolyol, dimethylpolysiloxane,diethylpolysiloxane, high molecular weight dimethicone, mixed C1-C30alkyl polysiloxane, phenyl dimethicone, dimethiconol, and mixturesthereof. More preferred are non-volatile silicones selected fromdimethicone, dimethiconol, mixed C1-C30 alkyl polysiloxane, and mixturesthereof. Nonlimiting examples of silicones useful herein are describedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,681, to Ciotti et al., issued Apr. 30, 1991,which is incorporated by reference.

Di- and tri-glycerides:

Some examples are castor oil, soy bean oil, derivatized soybean oilssuch as maleated soy bean oil, safflower oil, cotton seed oil, corn oil,walnut oil, peanut oil, olive oil, cod liver oil, almond oil, avocadooil, palm oil and sesame oil, vegetable oils and vegetable oilderivatives; coconut oil and derivatized coconut oil, cottonseed oil andderivatized cottonseed oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, and the like.

Acetoilvceride esters are used and an example is acetylatedmonoglycerides.

Lanolin and its derivatives are preferred and some examples are lanolin,lanolin oil, lanolin wax, lanolin alcohols, lanolin fatty acids,isopropyl lanolate, acetylated lanolin, acetylated lanolin alcohols,lanolin alcohol linoleate, lanolin alcohol riconoleate.

It is most preferred when at least 75% of the lipophilic skinconditioning agent is comprised of lipids selected from the groupconsisting: petrolatum, blends of petrolatum and high molecular weightpolybutene, mineral oil, liquid nondigestible oils (e.g. liquidcottonseed sucrose octaesters) or blends of liquid digestible ornondigestible oils with solid polyol polyesters (e.g. sucrose octaestersprepared from C22 fatty acids) wherein the ratio of liquid digestible ornondigestible oil to solid polyol polyester ranges from about 96:4 toabout 80:20, hydrogenated or nonhydrogenated polybutene,microcrystalline wax, polyalkene, paraffin, cerasin, ozokerite,polyethylene, perhydrosqualene; dimethicones, alkyl siloxane,polymethylsiloxane, methylphenylpolysiloxane and mixtures thereof. Whenas blend of petrolatum and other lipids is used, the ratio of petrolatumto the other selected lipids (hydrogenated or unhydrogenated polybuteneor polydecene or mineral oil) is preferably from about 10:1 to about1:2, more preferably from about 5:1 to about 1:1.

Stabilizers

When a lipophilic skin moisturizing agent is employed as the depositionaid in the liquid antimicrobial compositions herein, a stabilizer isalso included at a level ranging from about 0.1% to about 10%,preferably from about 0.1% to about 8%, more preferably from about 0.1%to about 5% by weight of the composition.

The stabilizer is used to form a crystalline stabilizing network in theliquid cleansing composition that prevents the lipophilic skinmoisturizer agent droplets from coalescing and phase splitting in theproduct. The network exhibits time dependent recovery of viscosity aftershearing (e.g., thixotropy).

The stabilizers used herein are not surfactants. The stabilizers provideimproved shelf and stress stability, but allow the liquid personalcleansing composition to separate upon lathering, and thereby providefor increased deposition of the lipophilic skin moisturizing agent ontothe skin. This is particularly true when the cleansing emulsions of thepresent invention are used in conjunction with a polymeric diamondmeshed sponge implement such as that described in Campagnoli; U.S. Pat.No. 5,144,744; Issued Sep. 8, 1992, herein incorporated by reference.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the stabilizer employed inthe personal cleansing compositions herein comprises a crystalline,hydroxyl-containing stabilizer. This stabilizer can be ahydroxyl-containing fatty acid, fatty ester or fatty soapwater-insoluble wax-like substance or the like.

The crystalline, hydroxy-containing stabilizer is selected from thegroup consisting of:

Some preferred hydroxyl-containing stabilizers include 12-hydroxystearicacid, 9,10-dihydroxystearic acid, tri-9,10-dihydroxystearin andtri-12-hydroxystearin (hydrogenated castor oil is mostlytri-12-hydroxystearin). Tri-12-hydroxystearin is most preferred for usein the emulsion compositions herein.

When these crystalline, hydroxyl-containing stabilizers are utilized inthe personal cleansing compositions herein, they are typically presentat from about 0.1% to 10%, preferably from 0.1% to 8%, more preferablyfrom 0.1% to about 5% of the liquid personal cleansing compositions. Thestabilizer is insoluble in water under ambient to near ambientconditions.

Alternatively, the stabilizer employed in the personal cleansingcompositions herein can comprise a polymeric thickener. When polymericthickeners as the stabilizer in the personal cleansing compositionsherein, they are typically included in an amount ranging from about0.01% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.3% to about 3%, by weight ofthe composition. The polymeric thickener is preferably an anionic,nonionic, cationic or hydrophobically modifier polymer selected from thegroup consisting of cationic polysaccharides of the cationic guar gumclass with molecular weights of 1,000 to 3,000,000, anionic, cationic,and nonionic homopolymers derived from acrylic and/or methacrylic acid,anionic, cationic, and nonionic cellulose resins, cationic copolymers ofdimethyldialkylammonium chloride, and acrylic acid, cationichomopolymers of dimethylalkylammonium chloride, cationic polyalkiene,and ethoxypolyalkylene imines, polyethylene glycol of molecular weightfrom 100,000 to 4,000,000, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the polymeris selected from the group consisting of sodium polyacrylate, hydroxyethyl cellulose, cetyl hydroxy ethyl cellulose, and polyquaternium 10.

Alternatively, the stabilizer employed in the personal cleansingcompositions herein can comprise C10-C22 ethylene glycol fatty acidesters. C10-C22 ethylene glycol fatty acid esters can also desirably beemployed in combination with the polymeric thickeners hereinbeforedescribed. The ester is preferably a diester, more preferably a C14-C18diester, most preferably ethylene glycol distearate. When C10-C22ethylene glycol fatty acid esters are utilized as the stabilizer in thepersonal cleansing compositions herein, they are typically present atfrom about 3% to about 10%, preferably from about 5% to about 8%, morepreferably from about 6% to about 8% of the personal cleansingcompositions.

Another class of stabilizer which can be employed in the personalcleansing compositions of the present invention comprises dispersedamorphous silica selected from the group consisting of fumed silica andprecipitated silica and mixtures thereof. As used herein the term“dispersed amorphous silica” refers to small, finely dividednon-crystalline silica having a mean agglomerate particle size of lessthan about 100 microns.

Fumed silica, which is also known as arced silica, is produced by thevapor phase hydrolysis of silicon tetrachloride in a hydrogen oxygenflame. It is believed that the combustion process creates siliconedioxide molecules which condense to form particles. The particlescollide, attach and sinter together. The result of this process is athree dimensional branched chain aggregate. Once the aggregate coolsbelow the fusion point of silica, which is about 1710° C., furthercollisions result in mechanical entanglement of the chains to formagglomerates. precipitated silicas and silica gels are generally made inaqueous solution. See, Cabot Technical Data Pamphlet TD-100 entitled“CAB-O-SIL® Untreated Fumed Silica Properties and Functions”, October1993, and Cabot Technical Dat Pamphlet TD-104 entitled “CAB-O-SIL® FumedSilica in Cosmetic and Personal Care Products”, March 1992, both ofwhich are herein incorporated by reference.

The fumed silica preferably has a mean agglomerate particle size rangingfrom about 0.1 microns to about 100 microns, preferably from about 1micron to about 50 microns, and more preferably from about 10 microns toabout 30 microns. The agglomerates are composed of aggregates which havea mean particle size ranging from about 0.01 microns to about 15microns, preferably from about 0.05 microns to about 10 microns, morepreferably from about 0.1 microns to about 5 microns and most preferablyfrom about 0.2 microns to about 0.3 microns. The silica preferably has asurface area greater than 50 sq. m/gram, more preferably greater thanabout 130 sq. m./gram, most preferably greater than about 180 sq.m./gram.

When amorphous silicas are used as the stabilizer herein, they aretypically included in the emulsion compositions at levels ranging fromabout 0.1% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.25% to about 8%, morepreferably from about 0.5% to about 5%.

A fourth class of stabilizer which can be employed in the personalcleansing compositions of the present invention comprises dispersedsmectite clay selected from the group consisting of bentonite andhectorite and mixtures thereof. Bentonite is a colloidal aluminum claysulfate. See Merck Index, Eleventh Edition, 1989, entry 1062, p. 164,which is incorporated by reference. Hectorite is a clay containingsodium, magnesium, lithium, silicon, oxygen, hydrogen and flourine. SeeMerck Index, eleventh Edition, 1989, entry 4538, p. 729, which is hereinincorporated by reference.

When smectite clay is employed as the stabilizer in the personalcleansing compositions of the present invention, it is typicallyincluded in amounts ranging from about 0.1% to about 10%, preferablyfrom about 0.25% to about 8%, more preferably from about 0.5% to about5%.

Other known stabilizers, such as fatty acids and fatty alcohols, canalso be employed in the compositions herein. Palmitic acid and lauricacid are especially preferred for use herein.

F. Optional Ingredients

The compositions of the present invention can comprise a wide range ofoptional ingredients. The CTFA International Cosmetic IngredientDictionary, Sixth Edition, 1995, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety, describes a wide variety of nonlimiting cosmeticand pharmaceutical ingredients commonly used in the skin care industry,which are suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention.Nonlimiting examples of functional classes of ingredients are describedat page 537 of this reference. Examples of these functional classesinclude: abrasives, anti-acne agents, anticaking agents, antioxidants,binders, biological additives, bulking agents, chelating agents,chemical additives, colorants, cosmetic astringents, cosmetic biocides,denaturants, drug astringents, emulsifiers, external analgesics, filmformers, fragrance components, humectants, opacifying agents,plasticizers, preservatives, propellants, reducing agents, skinbleaching agents, skin-conditioning agents (emollient, humectants,miscellaneous, and occlusive), skin protectants, solvents, foamboosters, hydrotropes, solubilizing agents, suspending agents(nonsurfactant), sunscreen agents, ultraviolet light absorbers, andviscosity increasing agents (aqueous and nonaqueous). Examples of otherfunctional classes of materials useful herein that are well known to oneof ordinary skill in the art include solubilizing agents, sequestrants,and keratolytics, and the like.

II. Characteristics

The rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing compositions herein, have thefollowing characteristics.

A. Gram Positive Residual Effectiveness Index

The rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing compositions of the presentinvention comprise a Gram Positive Residual Effectiveness Index ofgreater than about 1.8 (98.5% reduction), preferably greater than about2.0 (99% reduction), and more preferably greater than about 2.3 (99.5%reduction). The Gram Positive Residual Effectiveness Index is measuredby the In-Vivo Residual Effectiveness on Staphylococcus aureus Testdescribed herein. The index represents a difference in base tenlogarithm values of bacterial concentrations between a test sample and acontrol. For example, an index of 1.8 represents a reduction in logvalues of 1.8 (Δlog=1.8) which in turn represents a 98.5% reduction ofbacteria counts.

B. Mildness Index

The rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing compositions of the presentinvention comprise a Mildness Index of greater than about 0.3,preferably greater than about 0.4, and more preferably greater thanabout 0.6. The Mildness Index is measured by the Forearm ControlledApplication Test (FCAT) described herein.

III. Methods of Manufacture of Rinse-Off Antimicrobial CleansingComposition

The rinse-off antimicrobial personal cleansing compositions of thepresent invention are made via art recognized techniques for the variousforms of personal cleansing products.

IV. Methods of Using the Rinse-Off Antimicrobial Cleansing Composition

The rinse-off antimicrobial personal cleansing compositions of thepresent invention are useful for personal cleansing, especially forcleansing of the hands. Typically, a suitable or effective amount of thecleansing composition is applied to the area to be cleansed.Alternatively, a suitable amount of the cleansing composition can beapplied via intermediate application to a washcloth, sponge, pad, cottonball, puff or other application device. If desired, the area to becleansed can be premoistened with water. The compositions of the presentinvention are combined with water during the cleansing process andrinsed-off from the skin. Generally, an effective amount of product tobe used will depend upon the needs and usage habits of the individual.Typical amounts of the present compositions useful for cleansing rangefrom about 0.1 mg/cm² to about 10 mg/cm², preferably from about 0.3mg/cm² to about 3 mg/cm² skin area to be cleansed.

ANALYTICAL TEST METHODS

Microtox Response Test

Reference: Microtox Manual: A Toxicity Testing Handbook, 1992

Volume I-IV; Microbics Corporation.

Equipment: Microtox M500 Toxicity Testing Unit; Microbics Corporation

Connected to computer for data acquisition and analysis according toabove reference.

Procedure:

1. Preparation of Sample Stock Solution (Standard Concentration: 1000ppm)

The stock solution of the test anionic surfactant sample is prepared andused as a stock solution from which all other dilutions are made. Thestandard “starting concentration”, the highest concentration to betested, is 500 ppm. (If a 500 ppm starting concentration fails to give acalculable result, e.g. an active surfactant kills all reagent at alldilutions, the starting concentration can be adjusted based on a knownrange of EC50 values of previously tested surfactants.) The stocksolution is prepared at two times the starting concentration.

a) Add 0.1 g (or adjusted amount if required) of anionic surfactant,accounting for activity of raw material, to beaker.

b) Microtox Diluent (2% NaCl, Microbics Corp.) is added to total 100 g.

c) Stir solution to make sure of adequate mixing.

2. Reconstitution of Microtox Reagent and Preparation of Assay

a) Turn on test unit and allow reagent well temperature to equilibrateat 5.5° C. and incubator block and read well temperature to equilibrateat 15° C.

b) Place a clean cuvette (Microbics Corp.) in the reagent well, and fillwith 1.0 ml of Microtox Reconstitution Solution (distilled water,Microbics, Corp.). Allow to cool for 15 minutes.

c) Reconstitute standard vial of Microtox Acute Toxicity Reagent (Vibriofischerio, Microbics Corp.) by quickly adding the 1.0 ml of the cooledreconstitution solution to the reagent vial.

d) Swirl solution in the reagent vial for 2-3 seconds then pourreconstituted reagent back into the cooled cuvette and return the vialto the reagent well. Allow to stabilize for 15 minutes.

e) Place 8 cuvettes containing 500 μl of Microtox Diluent, as assay,into the incubator wells of the test unit. Let cool for 15 minutes.

3. Test Substance Dilution

Prepare 7 serial dilutions of the test substance from the sample stocksolution. The final volume of all cuvettes must be 1.0 ml.

a) Place 8 empty cuvettes into a test tube rack.

b) Add 1.0 ml of Microtox Diluent solution to tubes 1-7.

c) Add 2.0 ml of the sample stock solution (1000 ppm) in cuvette 8.

d) Transfer 1.0 ml solution from cuvette 8 to cuvette 7 and mix cuvette7.

e) Serially transfer 1.0 ml from the newly formed solution to thesubsequent cuvette (7 to 6, 6 to 5 etc.). Remove 1.0 ml of solution fromcuvette 2 and discard. Cuvette 1 is the blank containing only MicrotoxDiluent. Place the cuvettes into the test unit incubation wells keepingthem in order of lowest to highest concentration. These cuvettes shouldcorrespond with the 8 cuvettes prepared in step 2 above. Allow to coolfor 15 minutes.

4. Assay and Sample Bioluminescence Testing

a) Add 10 μl of reconstituted reagent to the 8 precooled cuvettes ofassay prepared in step 2 above (containing 500 μl of diluent). Allow 15minutes for reagent to stabilize.

b) Start Microtox Data Capture and Reporting Software (Microbics Corp.),select START TESTING, input file name and description, correct startingconcentration in ppm (500 if standard concentration is used) and numberof controls (1) and dilutions (7). Time 1 should be selected as 5minutes, time 2 is NONE. Press enter then the space bar to begintesting.

c) Place the assay cuvette containing reagent which corresponds to thetest blank into the read well and press SET. After the cuvette hasresurfaced press READ and the value will be captured by the computer.

d) Similarly read the remaining 7 cuvettes containing reagent whenprompted by the computer by pressing the READ button with the correctcuvette in the READ well.

e) After all 8 initial reading have been taken, transfer 500 μl of thediluted test substance into their corresponding cuvette containing thereagent. Mix by vortexing or swirling and return to the incubationwells. The computer will count for five minutes and prompt you to beginfinal readings.

f) Take final readings by placing the correct cuvette containing reagentand diluted test surfactant into the read well and pressing READ whenprompted by the computer.

5. Data Analysis

The concentration of test substance, in ppm, that decreases thebioluminescence of the Microtox Acute Toxicity Reagent by 50% from thestarting value (EC50 Value) can be calculated using the Run Statisticson Data File option of the Microtox Software (recommended) or byconducting a linear regression of the data (% reduction vs. log ofconcentration). % Reductions are calculated using the followingformulas:$\frac{{Final}\quad {Reading}\quad {of}\quad {Reagent}\quad {Blank}}{{Initial}\quad {Reading}\quad {of}\quad {Reagent}\quad {Blank}} = {{Correction}\quad {Factor}}$$\frac{{Final}\quad {Reading}\quad {of}\quad {Reagent}\quad {with}\quad {Diluted}\quad {Test}\quad {Substance}}{{Initial}\quad {Reading}\quad {of}\quad {Reagent}\quad {with}\quad {Diluted}\quad {Test}\quad {Substance}} = {{Reduction}\quad {Factor}_{x}}$

where x means at a corresponding concentration${\% \quad {Reduction}} = \frac{{{Correction}\quad {Factor}_{x}} - {{Reduction}\quad {Factor}}}{{Correction}\quad {Factor}}$

The Microtox Index is the EC50 value in ppm.

Solubility Slope, K

Equipment: Liquid Scintillation Counter equipped with correct quenchcurve for liquid scintillation fluid used (Ultima Gold, PackardInstrument Co.)

1. Preparation of ¹⁴C labeled Triclosan®

a) Add 5.00 g of regular triclosan (TCS) powder to a 20 ml vial.

b) Add 10 μCi of ¹⁴C TCS and 1 ml of acetone.

c) Stir the solution for 3 minutes or until all TCS is dissolved.

d) Blow in N₂ to remove most solvent until it solidifies again.

e) Grind the solid to powder and dry it under N₂ overnight to yield thelabeled material ready for use.

f) Measure activity of TCS in DPM/g to use as conversion factor forlater samples.

1. Place about 0.1 g of powdered TCS (note weight) from step e aboveinto liquid scintillation vial.

2. Add 10 ml of liquid scintillation fluid (Ultima Gold).

3. Place in liquid scintillation counter and count decays per minute(DPM) of sample.

4. Divide DPM by TCS weight from step 1-f-1 to determine conversionfactor (DPM/g TCS).

2. Solubility protocol

a) Prepare stock solution of TCS deprived formula with anionicsurfactant level of 16% in 7-9 grain tap water.

b) Place 8 empty cuvettes into a test tube rack.

c) Add 3 ml of the stock solution into a scintillation vial 1.

d) Prepare five individual 3 ml solutions which are 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16,and 1:32 dilutions of the stock solution in five scintillation vials(ending concentrations are 8%, 4% 2%, 1%, and 0.5%).

e) To each vial add about 0.05 g of the radio labeled TCS (from step 1-eabove) and a magnetic stirring bar. Stir the vials as a group for atleast 2 hours. If the TCS solid phase disappears, add additional TCS toensure phase equilibrium.

f) For each dilution, remove about 1.0 ml, place in 1.5 mlmicrocentrifuge tube, and centrifuge it for 5 minutes at 1500 RPM.

g) Remove about 0.1-0.4 g (note weight) from top layer of centrifugedsample and place in a clean liquid scintillation vial.

h) Add 10 ml of liquid scintillation cocktail (Ultima Gold) to the vial.

i) Count the vial's DPM using the liquid scintillation counter.

j) Covert DPM to TCS weight using conversion factor from step 1-f above.

k) Calculate percentage TCS (maximum solubility in sample) by dividingby weight from step 2-g.

l) Repeat g through l for each serial dilution of anionic surfactant.

3. Calculation of K

The Solubility Slope, K, is calculated by conducting a linear regressionof maximum TCS solubility vs. surfactant concentration within the limitsdiscussed below.

a) For almost all surfactants the slope of the solubility curve between1 and 2% surfactant is representative of K.

b) For some surfactants the maximum TCS solubility curve remains linearoutside the 1-2% surfactant region. K must then be calculated from thisentire linear region, such as from 0-4%, 1-4%, or 0.5-2% surfactantlevels.

It is important that K is calculated near the 2% surfactant rangebecause this is an approximate concentration of surfactant in a dilutedcleansing composition.

In Vivo Residual Effectiveness on Staphylococcus aureus

References: Aly, R; Maibach, H. I.; Aust, L. B.; Corbin, N. C.; Finkey,M. B. 1994.

1. In vivo effect of antimicrobial soap bars containing 1.5% and 0.8%trichlorocarbanilide against two strains of pathogenic bacteria. J. Soc.Cosmet. Chem., 35, 351-355, 1981.

2. In vivo methods for testing topical antimicrobial agents. J. Soc.Cosmet. Chem., 32, 317-323.

1. Test Design

Residual Antibacterial efficacy of liquid and bar soap antimicrobialproducts are quantified in the following method. Reductions are reportedfrom a control, non-antibacterial placebo soap, without furthertreatment, used on one of the subjects forearms. By definition theantibacterial placebo will show no residual effectiveness in the test.

2. Pre-Test Phase

Subjects are instructed not to use antibacterial products for 7 daysprior to testing. Immediately before test, the subjects hands areexamined for cuts/broken skin that would preclude them fromparticipating.

3. Wash Procedure

a) Wash both forearms with placebo soap one time to remove anycontaminants or transient bacteria. Rinse and dry forearms

b) Test monitor wets gloved hands, places 1.0 ml of liquid test product(bar treatments are done according to above references) on forearm ofsubject, and lathers entire volar forearm with hand for 45 sec.

c) Subjects forearms are then rinsed with 90-100° F. tap water at a rateof 1 GPM for 15 seconds.

d) Steps b-c are repeated two times (total 3 washes) for the testproduct.

e) Arm is patted dry with paper towel and test sites are marked (˜8.6cm² circle with rubber stamp).

f) This entire procedure (a-e) is repeated on other forearm of subjectwith control product.

4. Inoculation Procedure

a) S. aureus inoculum (ATCC 27217, grown from lyophilized stock inSoybean-casein broth at 37 C for 18-24 hrs) is adjusted to approximately10⁸ organisms/ml (0.45 transmittance vs. TSB blank on specrophotometer).

b) Each test site is inoculated with 10 μl of S. aureus. Inoculum isspread with inoculating loop into a ˜3 cm² circle and covered with aHilltop Chamber (Hilltop Research Inc.).

c) This procedure is repeated for each test site on each forearm.

5. Sampling Bacteria (Extraction Procedure)

a) Prepare sampling solution of 0.04% KH₂PO₄, 1.01% Na₂HPO₄, 0.1% TritonX-100, 1.5% Polysorbate 80, 0.3% Lecithin in water, adjusted to pH 7.8with 1 N HCl.

b) Exactly 60 minutes after inoculation, the Hilltop Chamber is removedfrom the site from which a sample is to be taken. A 8.6 cm² sampling cupin placed over the site.

c) 5 ml of sampling solution is added to the cup.

d) Extract the bacteria by gently rubbing site with glass police man for30 seconds.

e) Remove sampling solution with pipette and place in a sterile labeledtest tube.

f) Repeat extraction with 5 ml of sampling fluid. This entire extractionprocedure is repeated for each site 60 minutes after inoculation.

6. Quantifying Bacteria

a) Prepare phosphate buffer solution of 0.117% Na₂HPO₄, 0.022% NaH₂PO₄,and 0.85% NaCl adjusted to pH 7.2-7.4 with 1 N HCl.

b) 1.1 ml of the sampling solution is asceptically removed from thetube, 0.1 ml of the solution is spread plated onto trypticase-soy agarcontaining 1.5% Polysorbate 80. Remaining 1 ml is placed into 9 ml ofsterile phosphate buffer achieving a 1:10 dilution of the samplingsolution. This process is repeated 3 more times (each serial dilution).

c) The plates are inverted and incubated for 24 hours at 35 C.

d) Colonies formed on plates are then enumerated and results arecalculated by multiplying the counts by the dilution factor (originalsample=10, first dilution=100, second dilution=1000, etc.) and the finalresults are reported as the number of colony forming units per ml(CFU's/ml).

7. Index Calculation

Gram Positive Residual Efficacy Index=log₁₀(CFU's/ml of placebosite)−log₁₀(CFU's/ml of test product site)

Forearm Controlled Application Test (FCAT)

Reference: Ertel, K. D., et al.; “A Forearm Controlled ApplicationTechnique for Estimating the Relative Mildness of Personal CleansingProducts”; J. Soc. Cosmet. Chem. 46 (1995) 67-76

The Forearm Controlled Application Test, or FCAT, is a comparative testwhich discriminates differences in product mildness to the skin. A testproduct is compared to a standard soap based cleansing bar control.

Test Group Restrictions

Test groups of 20-30 subjects, 18 to 55 years of age, who regularly washwith soap are used. Potential subjects who (1) have an initial drynessgrade of 3.0 or higher on the forearms as assessed during the initialexamination, (2) have skin cancer, eczema, or psoriasis on the forearms,(3) are receiving injectable insulin, (4) are pregnant or lactating, or(5) are receiving treatment for skin problems or contact allergy areexcluded. Subjects are to avoid hot tubs, swimming, and sun lamps, andto refrain from applying any soaps, cleansing products, creams, or gelsto their forearms for the duration of the study. Subjects are to keepwater off their forearms for at least two hours before the gradingprocess. The studies are executed using a blinded, random product orderformat. Clinical assistant should verify the correct treatment sequenceand document such before washing each subject.

Products are applied to the forearms a total of nine (9) times: two (2)times each day on the first four (4) days of the study and one (1) timeon the final day. Visits to the test facility for washing must be spacedby a minimum of three (3) hours.

All clinical assistants must wear disposable gloves during washprocedure, rinsing them between treatments, and changing betweensubjects.

Control Product

The control product is a rolled bar soap containing:

56.1% Sodium Tallowate 18.7% Sodium Cocoate 0.7% Sodium Chloride 24%Water 0.5% Minors (Perfume, Impurities)

Product Application Procedure

Both test and control products are tested on the same arm. The followingtest procedure is used.

1. The subject wets the entire surface of his/her volar forearm with95-100° F. tap water by holding the arm briefly under running tap water.

2. A clinical assistant wets one-quarter sheet (approximately 8″×6″) ofMasslinn® towel with tap water, then squeezes the towel gently to removeexcess water.

3. A clinical assistant applies the products to the arm, beginning withthe product designated for the site nearest the elbow, using theappropriate procedure as follows:

Liquid Product

a. Dispense 0.10 cc of test product from a syringe into the center ofthe appropriate marked area.

b. Wet two finders of gloved (latex) hand under the running tap (indexand middle fingers).

c. Move wetted fingers in a circular motion over the application sitefor 10 seconds to lather product.

d. Lather remains on the application site for 90 seconds, then is rinsedoff with running tap water for 15 seconds, taking care not to washlather off the adjacent sites. After 10 seconds of the rinse hasexpired, the Clinical Assistant will gently rub the site being rinsedwith her two gloved fingers for the remaining 5 seconds of the rinse.

Bar Product

a. Wet two finders of gloved (latex) hand under the running tap (indexand middle fingers).

b. Wet bar by holding bar briefly under running tap water. Test barsmust be wet under a running tap at the start of each day.

c. Rub wetted fingers in a circular motion, over the surface of the bar,for 15 seconds to form lather on bar and fingers.

d. Rub the lathered fingers on the application site in a circular motionfor 10 seconds to lather product on the skin.

e. Lather remains on the application site for 90 seconds, then is rinsedoff with running tap water for 15 seconds, taking care not to washlather off the adjacent sites. After 10 seconds of the rinse hasexpired, the Clinical Assistant will gently rub the site being rinsedwith her two gloved fingers for the remaining 5 seconds of the rinse.

Wipe Products

a. Fold wipe in half, crosswise, and gently rub the wipe in a curricularmotion within the appropriate area.

b. Allow site to air dry for 90 seconds. Do not rinse site.

Leave-on Product

a. Dispense 0.10 cc of test product from a syringe into the center ofthe appropriate marked area.

b. Move gloved fingers in a circular motion over the application sitefor 10 seconds.

c. Allow site to air dry for 90 seconds. Do not rinse site.

4. While waiting for the 90 second residence time to expire, the aboveprocedure will be repeated on the remaining application site on thatarm, working down the arm toward the wrist.

5. Steps 1-4 are repeated on the appropriate test areas so twoapplications of product are made to test areas.

6. After all of the application areas have two applications of products,the clinical assistant gently pats the subject's arm dry with adisposable paper towel.

Evaluation

The skin on each treatment area is evaluated by an expert grader atbaseline and three hours after the final study wash. The treatment areasare evaluated under 2.75× magnification (model KFM-1A Luxo IlluminatedMagnifying Lamp, Marshall Industries, Dayton, Ohio) with controlledlighting (General Electric Cool White, 22-watt, 8″ Circuline fluorescentbulb).

The skin is evaluated by an expert grader, for dryness and a rating isassigned based on the definitions set forth below.

TABLE 1 Forearm Grading Scale Rating Skin Dryness 0   No dryness 1.0Patches of slight powderiness and occasional patches of small scales maybe seen. 2.0 Generalized slight powderiness. Early cracking oroccasional small lifting scales may be present. 3.0 Generalized moderatepowderiness and/or heavy cracking and lifting scales. 4.0 Generalizedheavy powderiness and/or heavy cracking and lifting scales. 5.0Generalized high cracking and lifting scales. Eczematous change may bepresent. Powderiness may be present but not prominent. May see bleedingcrack. 6.0 Generalized severe cracking. Eczematous change may bepresent. Bleeding cracks may be present. Scales large, may be beginningto disappear.

The FCAT generally produces only mild to moderate skin irritation;however, if a treated site reaches a rating of 5.0 or greater, at anytime during the study, treatment of all sites on that subject should bediscontinued.

Data

After all subjects have been evaluated at the end of the test, thefollowing values are determined:

Rco=The average rating of control product area at baseline

Rc_(f)=The average rating of control product area at test end

Rt_(o)=The average rating of test product area at baseline

Rt_(f)=The average rating if test product area at test end.

There are many external conditions which could influence the FCAT, suchas relative humidity and water softness. The test is valid only ifsufficient response is observed in the skin to the control product. Thecontrol response must be greater than 1.0 (i.e., Rc_(f)−Rc_(o)≧1.0) forthe test to be valid.

Given a valid test, the Mildness Index of the test product is thedifference in the skin responses to two products.

Mildness Index=(Rc _(f) −Rc _(o)) (Rt _(f) −Rt _(o))

Consistency (K) and Shear Index (N) of the Lipophilic Skin MoisturizingAgent

The Carrimed CSL 100 Controlled Stress Rheometer is used to determineShear Index, n, and Consistency, k, of the lipophilic skin moisturizingagent used herein. The determination is performed at 35° C. with the 4cm 2° cone measuring system typically set with a 51 micron gap and isperformed via the programmed application of a shear stress (typicallyfrom about 0.06 dynes/sq. cm to about 5,000 dynes/sq. cm) over time. Ifthis stress results in a deformation of the sample, i.e. strain of themeasuring geometry of at least 10-4 rad/sec, then this rate of strain isreported as a shear rate. These data are used to create a viscosity μVs.shear rate γ′ flow curve for the material. This flow curve can then bemodeled in order to provide a mathematical expression that describes thematerial's behavior within specific limits of shear stress and shearrate. These results were fitted with the following well accepted powerlaw model (see for instance: Chemical Engineering, by Coulson andRichardson, Pergamon, 1982 or Transport Phenomena by Bird, Stewart andLightfoot, Wiley, 1960):

Viscosity, μ=k(γ′)^(n−1)

Viscosity of the Rinse-Off Antimicrobial Cleansing Composition

The Wells-Brookfield Cone/Plate Model DV-II+ Viscometer is used todetermine the viscosity of the rinse-off antimicrobial cleansingcompositions herein. The determination is performed at 25° C. with the2.4 cm° cone (Spindle CP-41) measuring system with a gap of 0.013 mmbetween the two small pins on the respective cone and plate. Themeasurement is performed by injecting 0.5 ml of the sample to beanalyzed between the cone and plate and rotating the cone at a set speedof 1 rpm. The resistance to the rotation of the cone produces a torquethat is proportional to the shear stress of the liquid sample. Theamount of torque is read and computed by the viscometer into absolutecentipoise units (mPa's) based on geometric constants of the cone, therate of rotation, and the stress related torque.

EXAMPLES

The following examples further describe and demonstrate embodimentswithin the scope of the present invention. In the following examples,all ingredients are listed at an active level. The examples are givensolely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed aslimitations of the present invention, as many variations thereof arepossible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Ingredients are identified by chemical or CTFA name.

Liquid Handsoap Weight % Component 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Ammonium Lauryl0.00 2.60 5.00 0.00 6.60 3.2 2.9 0.00 3.1 Sulfate Sodium Lauryl Sulfate3.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.50 0.00 Ammonium Laureth-3 0.007.90 0.00 5.20 5.20 9.5 5.5 0.00 6.6 Sulfate Sodium Laureth-3 7.00 0.000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 7.00 0.00 Sulfate C₁₄-C₁₆ Sodium Alpha 0.000.00 0.00 7.40 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Olefin Sulfonate Sodium MyristylSulfate 0.00 0.00 5.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 CocamidopropylBetaine 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.30 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Sodium 5.25 5.253.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5.25 5.00 Lauroamphoacetate Citric AcidAnhydrous 0.00 6.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 6.30 6.30 0.00 0.00 Lactic Acid 0.000.00 0.00 5.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Succinic Acid 8.00 0.00 4.700.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Salicylic Acid 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 polyacrylate* 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.008.00 8.00 Sodium Citrate 0.00 to pH 0.00 0.00 0.00 to pH to pH to pH0.00 3.7 3.9 3.9 4.0 Petrolatum 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 16.5 12.0 0.0012.0 Tri-hydroxystearin 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.15 0.15 0.00 0.25Lauric Acid 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 1.5 0.00 1.5 Polyquaternium 100.40 0.40 0.15 0.30 0.20 0.60 0.10 0.40 0.1 Sodium Hydroxide to pH 0.00to pH to pH to pH 0.00 0.00 to pH to pH 4.0 4.0 3.5 5.0 4.0 4.0Para-chloro-meta-xylenol 1.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.50 0.00Triclosan ® 0.00 0.50 1.00 0.50 0.20 0.60 0.50 0.00 0.5 Perfume 1.0 1.00.00 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.4 Water Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S.Q.S. Q.S. K Value of Anionic <0.40 <0.40 <0.21 <0.25 <0.40 <0.40 <0.40<0.40 <0.40 Surfactant Microtox of Anionic 1/150 1/150 1/150 150/201/150 1/150 11150 1/150 l/150 Surfactant Head Group Size of Small/Small/ Small Small Small/ Small/ Small/ Small/ Small/ Anionic SurfactantLarge Large Large Large Large Large Large Primary Chain Length of 12 1212-14 12-16 12 12 12 12 12 Anionic Surfactant Biological Activity (Z) of1.8 1.3 1.8 1.6 2.7 1.6 1.6 1.8 — acid *The polyacrylate is K7058 soldby B. F. Goodrich

The liquid handsoaps shown all have a Gram Positve ResidualEffectiveness Index of greater than about 1.8; and a Mildness Index ofgreater than 0.3.

Procedure for Making Liquid Handsoap Examples

1) Examples 1-5 & 8

Add all but 5 weight percent water to mix tank. Add surfactants to mixtank. Heat materials to 155° F.±10° F. and mix until dissolved. Cool toless than 100° F., add acid and antibacterial active and perfumes. Mixuntil materials are dissolved. Adjust pH to target with required buffer(NaOH or sodium salt of acid). Add remaining water to complete product.

2. Examples 6, 7 & 9

Add all ingredients except petrolatum, active and perfume together andheat to the point necessary to melt the stabilizer (approximately 190°F. for trihydroxystearin). Cool to below 115° F. and add active,petrolatum and perfume. Adjust final pH using NaOH or buffer salt. Addremaining water to complete product.

Shower Gel Weight % Component 1 2 3 4 5 6 Sodium or Ammonium LaurylSulfate 6.30 5.00 0.00 3.50 3.15 3.15 Sodium or Ammonium Laureth-3 4.2015.00 5.80 7.00 9.45 9.45 Sulfate Sodium or Ammonium 5.25 0.00 0.00 5.255.40 5.40 Lauroamphoacetate Cocoamide MEA 2.80 0.00 0.00 2.80 0.00 0.00Cocamidopropyl Betaine 0.00 0.00 5.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 Citric Acid 6.500.00 0.00 8.00 6.50 6.50 Succinic Acid 0.00 0.00 2.00 0.00 0.00 0.00Salicylic Acid 0.00 2.00 2.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Triclocarban ® 0.00 0.150.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Triclosan ® 1.00 0.25 0.00 0.60 0.60 0.80 Thymol Oil0.00 0.00 2.00 0.00 1.00 0.00 Sodium Hydroxide 0.00 to pH 6 to pH 5 topH 3.7 0.00 0.00 Sodium Citrate to pH 4 0.00 0.00 0.00 to pH to pH 3.53.9 Soybean Oil 8.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Petrolatum 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 16.50 16.5 Dimethicone Emulsion 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00Tri-bydroxystearin 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 1.00 Lauric Acid 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 1.00 1.00 Palmitic Acid 2.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00Polyquaternium 10 0.30 0.30 0.00 0.30 0.30 0.3 Miscellaneous 8.28 2.411.68 1.75 1.61 1.98 Water Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. K Value ofAnionic Surfactant <0.40 0.32 <0.50 <0.40 <0.40 <0.40 Microtox ofAnionic Surfactant 1/150 1/150 150 1/150 1/150 1/150 Head Group Size ofAnionic Surfactant Small/ Small/ Large Small/ Small/ Small/ Large LargeLarge Large Large Primary Chain Length of Anionic 12 12 12 12 12 12Surfactant Biological Activity (Z) of acid 1.3 2.7 1.8/2.7 1.3 1.3 1.3

The shower gels shown all have a Gram Positive Residual EffectivenessIndex of greater than about 1.8; and a Mildness Index of greater than0.3.

Procedure for Making Shower Gels

1) Examples 1-4

Add moisturizing oils and co-surfactants together and heat ingredientsto 130-140° F. until dissolved (step can be skipped for products notcontaining oils). In another container add primary surfactants, acid,buffer salt, preservatives, viscosity builder (salt), and polymer. Heatto 130-140° F. until dissolved. Combine two mixtures (or use singlemixture if no oils are present) when both are 130-140° F., then begincooling. When mixture is below 115° F., add, antibacterial active andperfume. Adjust final pH using NaOH or remaining buffer salt. Addremaining water to complete product.

2) Examples 5 and 6

Add all ingredients except petrolatum, active and perfume together andheat to the point necessary to melt the stabilizer (approximately 190°F. for trihydroxystearin). Cool to below 115° F. and add active,petrolatum and perfume. Adjust final pH using NaOH or buffer salt. Addremaining water to complete product.

Bar Component Wt % Dextrin 58.5  Ammonium Laureth-3 Sulfate 9.00Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate 7.00 Lactic acid 6.50 Sodium Hydroxide to pH 3.7Triclosan ® 1.00 Titanium Dioxide 0.30 Urea 6.00 Sorbitol 0.30 SodiumChloride 3.20 Perfume 1.00 Water Q.S. K Value of Anionic Surfactant<0.40  Microtox of Anionic Surfactant 1/150 Head Group Size of AnionicSmall/Large Surfactant Primary Chain Length of anionic 12 SurfactantMicrotox of Anionic Surfactant 1/150 Biological Activity (Z) of acid1.45

The bar shown has a Gram Positive Residual Effectiveness Index ofgreater than about 1.8; and a Mildness Index of greater than 0.3.

Procedure for Making Bar Example

The ingredients can be processed to form bars using conventional soapline equipment. For example, processing can be carried out as follows:First add the anionic surfactants to the crutcher. Next add the acid,and incorporate enough water such that the crutcher mixture is smoothfluid and has a manageable viscosity under agitation. Adjust the pH totarget with required base (NaOH). Adjust the temperature of the mixtureto 160-200° F. range. Next, introduce the dextrin into the mixture.Apply crutcher agitation and heat to again achieve a uniform compositionat the above stated temperature range.

Pump the resulting mixture and spread it onto a conventional chill rollwhere the composition solidifies. Chip it off into a flake form. Conveythe chips to an amalgamator where perfume and heat sensitive actives orcomponents may be incorporated. Process the amalgamated flakes through amill and plodder where they are extruded. Stamp into the desired barshape.

Hair Shampoo Component Wt % Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate 7.00 AmmoniumLaureth-3 Sulfate 9.00 Sodium Lauroamphoacetate 5.00 Malic Acid 2.00Salicylic Acid 2.00 Sodium Hydroxide to pH 5.0 Pyrithione Zinc 1.00Polyquaternium 10 0.50 Perfume 1.00 Dye 0.01 Water Q.S. K Value ofAnionic Surfactant <0.40 Microtox of Anionic Surfactant 1/150 Head GroupSize of Anionic Surfactant Small/Large Primary Chain Length of AnionicSurfactant 12 Biological Activity (Z) of acid 1.2, 2.7

The dandruff shampoo shown has a Gram Positive Residual EffectivenessIndex of greater than about 1.8; and a Mildness Index of greater than0.3.

Procedure for Making Shampoo Examples

Add all but 5 weight percent water to mix tank. Add surfactants to mixtank. Heat materials to 155° F.±10° F. and mix until dissolved. Cool toless than 100° F., add acid, antibacterial active, perfumes and dyes.Mix until materials are dissolved. Adjust pH to target with requiredbuffer (sodium salt of acid). Add remaining water to complete product.

Liquid Laundry Detergent Component Wt. % C₁₃-C₁₇ Sodium Paraffin 10.00 Sulfonate Laureth-8 5.00 Sodium 5.00 Lauroamphodipropionate Enzyme 1.00Ethanol 4.00 Propylene Glycol 6.00 Polyquaternium-10 0.50 Citric Acid6.00 Triethanolamine to pH 4.0 Triclosan ® 1.00 Perfume 1.00 Water Q.S.K Value of Anionic Surfactant 0.10 Microtox of Anionic Surfactant n/aHead Group Size of Anionic Small Surfactant Primary Chain Length ofAnionic 13-17 Surfactant Biological Activity (Z) of acid 1.3 

Liquid Dish Detergent Component Wt. % C₁₃-C₁₇ Sodium Paraffin 10.00 Sulfonate Sodium Laureth-3 Sulfate 5.00 Cocoamidopropylhydroysultaine5.00 Polyquaternium-10 0.30 Malic Acid 6.00 Sodium Hydroxide to pH 4.5Para-chloro-meta-xylenol 1.50 Perfume 1.00 Water Q.S. K Value of AnionicSurfactant <0.15  Microtox of Anionic Surfactant n/a/150 Head Group Sizeof Anionic Small/ Surfactant Large Primary Chain Length of Anionic13-17/12 Surfactant Biological Activity (Z) of acid 1.19

Hard Surface Cleaner Component Wt. % C₁₄/C₁₆ Sodium Alpha OlefinSulfonate 4.00 Acetic Acid 4.00 Ammonium Hydroxide to pH 3.0o-phenylphenol 0.25 Perfume 1.00 Water Q.S. K Value of AnionicSurfactant 0.23 Microtox of Anionic Surfactant 20 Head Group Size ofAnionic Surfactant Small Primary Chain Length of Anionic Surfactant14-16 Biological Activity (Z) of acid 1.2 

The cleansing compositions shown all have a Gram Positive ResidualEffectiveness Index of greater than about 1.8; and a Mildness Index ofgreater than 0.3.

Procedure for Making Above Examples

Add all but 5 weight percent water to mix tank. Add surfactants to mixtank. Heat materials to 155° F.±10° F. and mix until dissolved. Cool toless than 100° F., add acid, active and perfume. Mix until materials aredissolved. Measure and adjust pH to target with required buffer (NaOH orsodium salt of acid). Add remaining water to complete product.

What is claimed is:
 1. A rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing compositioncomprising the following individual components: a. from about 0.001% toabout 5% of an antimicrobial active; b. from about 1% to about 80% of ananionic surfactant; c. from about
 0. 1% to about 12% of a protondonating agent; and d. from about 3% to about 98.899% of water; whereinthe composition is adjusted to a pH of from about 3.0 to about 6.0;wherein the rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition has a GramPositive Residual Effectiveness Index of greater than about 1.8; andwherein the rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition has a MildnessIndex of greater than 0.3.
 2. A rinse-off antimicrobial cleansingcomposition according to claim 1 wherein the antimicrobial active isselected from the group consisting of triclosan, triclocarban, piroctoneclamis, PCMX, ZPT, natural essential oils and their key chemicalcomponents, and mixtures thereof.
 3. A rinse-off antimicrobial cleansingcomposition according to claim 2 wherein the antimicrobial active istriclosan.
 4. A rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition accordingto claim 2 wherein the anionic surfactant has a solubility slope, K, ofless than about 0.60 and has a Microtox Response Index of less thanabout
 150. 5. A rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition accordingto claim 2 wherein the proton donating agent is an organic acid having aBiological Activity Index, Z, of greater than about 0.5.
 6. A rinse-offantimicrobial cleansing composition according to claim 4 wherein theproton donating agent is an organic acid having a Biological ActivityIndex, Z, of greater than about 0.5.
 7. A rinse-off antimicrobialcleansing composition according to claim 2 wherein the proton donatingagent is a mineral acid.
 8. A rinse-off antimicrobial cleansingcomposition according to claim 2 wherein the composition is adjusted toa pH of from about 3.5 to about 5.0.
 9. A rinse-off antimicrobialcleansing composition according to claim 6 wherein the composition isadjusted to a pH of from about 3.5 to about 5.0.
 10. A rinse-offantimicrobial cleansing composition according to claim 2 wherein theratio of the amount of non-anionic surfactants to the amount of anionicsurfactant is less than 1:1.
 11. A rinse-off antimicrobial cleansingcomposition according to claim 9 wherein the ratio of the amount ofnon-anionic surfactants to the amount of anionic surfactant is less than1:1.
 12. A rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition comprising thefollowing individual components: a. from about 0.001% to about 5% of anantimicrobial active; b. from about 1% to about 80% of an anionicsurfactant; c. from about 0.1% to about 12% of a proton donating agent;d. from about 1% to about 30% of a lipophilic skin moisturizing agent;and e. from about 3% to about 97.5% of water; wherein the composition isadjusted to a pH of from about 3.0 to about 6.0; wherein the rinse-offantimicrobial cleansing composition has a Gram Positive ResidualEffectiveness Index of greater than about 2.0; and wherein the rinse-offantimicrobial cleansing composition has a Mildness Response Index ofgreater than 0.4.
 13. A rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing compositionaccording to claim 12 comprising from about 5% to about 25% of theanionic surfactant.
 14. A rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing compositionaccording to claim 13 wherein the anionic surfactant has a solubilityslope, K, of less than about 0.40 and has a Microtox Response Index ofless than about
 100. 15. A rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing compositionaccording to claim 13 wherein the proton donating agent is an organicacid having a Biological Activity Index of greater than about 2.0.
 16. Arinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition according to claim 15wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting ofsodium and ammonium alkyl sulfates and ether sulfates having chainlengths of predominantly 12 and 14 carbon atoms, olefin sulfates havingchain lengths of predominantly 14 and 16 carbon atoms, and paraffinsulfonates having an average chain length of from 13 to 17 carbon atoms,and mixtures thereof.
 17. A rinse-off antimicrobial cleansingcomposition according to claim 16 wherein the composition is adjusted toa pH of from about 3.5 to about 5.0.
 18. A rinse-off antimicrobialcleansing composition according to claim 17 wherein the proton donatingagent is selected from the group comprising adipic acid, tartaric acid,citric acid, maleic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, glycolic acid,glutaric acid, benzoic acid, malonic acid, salicylic acid, gluconicacid, polymeric acids, their salts, and mixtures thereof.
 19. Arinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition according to claim 18wherein the ratio of the amount of non-anionic surfactants to the amountof anionic surfactant is less than 1:1.
 20. A rinse-off antimicrobialcleansing composition according to claim 1 further comprising from about0.1% to about 35% of a deposition aid.
 21. A rinse-off antimicrobialcleansing composition according to claim 20 wherein the deposition aidis a lipophilic skin moisturizing agent.
 22. A method for providingresidual effectiveness against Gram positive bacteria comprising the useof a safe and effective amount of the composition of claim 1 on humanskin.
 23. A method for providing residual effectiveness against Grampositive bacteria which comprises the use of a safe and effective amountof the composition of claim 12 on human skin.
 24. A method for treatingacne comprising the use of a safe and effective amount of thecomposition of claim 1 on human skin.
 25. A rinse-off antimicrobialcleansing composition according to claim 17 wherein the proton donatingagent is selected from the group consisting of straight-chainpoly(acrylic) acids and copolymers thereof, cross-linked poly(acrylic)acids having a molecular weight of less than about 250,000, poly(x-hydroxy) acids and copolymers thereof, poly(methacrylic) acid andcopolymers thereof, carageenic acid, carboxy methyl cellulose, andalginic acid.
 26. A rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing compositionaccording to claim 1 comprising from about 5% to about 25% of theanionic surfactant.
 27. A rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing compositionaccording to claim 1 wherein the weight ratio of the amount ofnon-anionic surfactants to the amount of anionic surfactant is less thanabout 1:2.
 28. A rinse-off antimicrobial cleansing composition accordingto claim 12 wherein the weight ratio of the amount of non-anionicsurfactants to the amount of anionic surfactant is less than about 1:2.